Gugu Mthembu Brings African Perspective to Cannes Lions 2025 Jury
Telkom’s Chief Marketing Officer Gugu Mthembu has been appointed as one of the few African women judges for the prestigious Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity 2025. Her selection marks a significant milestone for African representation in global marketing and creative leadership.
A Global Honor with Local Impact
When asked about her jury appointment, Mthembu described it as “a tremendous honor” that validates years of dedication to marketing excellence. “It represents global acknowledgment of the incredible work being done in South Africa,” she noted, emphasizing her commitment to bringing global insights back to the African market.
Championing Transformative Creativity
As a judge in the Creative Business Transformation category, Mthembu will focus on campaigns that demonstrate:
- Authentic customer-centric innovation
- Measurable social impact
- Data-driven creative solutions
- Inclusive storytelling
“I’ll advocate for work that delivers tangible impact through sustainability, inclusivity, or digital transformation – not just creativity for creativity’s sake.”
Breaking Barriers for African Representation
Mthembu sees her role as pivotal in changing global perceptions of African creativity. “Africa is bursting with untapped creative potential,” she stated, highlighting her mission to challenge biases and open doors for more diverse voices in the industry.
Transformation in Action at Telkom
The marketing leader shared how Telkom has implemented creative business transformation through:
- Customer-centric digital platforms
- Data-driven personalization
- Authentic South African storytelling
- Innovative partnerships like the Smart Agritech project
People-First Leadership Philosophy
Mthembu attributes her success to a leadership style that prioritizes team empowerment. “When people feel connected to a purpose, that’s where real impact happens,” she explained, emphasizing the importance of diverse, valued teams in driving authentic marketing.
Telkom’s Forward Momentum
The company continues to push boundaries with:
- 24+ million mobile subscribers
- Cutting-edge 5G and AI initiatives
- Employee innovation programs like The Lions’ Den
- Strategic partnerships with Huawei and academic institutions
This article is based on original reporting from Bizcommunity. For the complete interview and additional insights, please visit the original source.